The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in New Jersey.
A verified guide sourced from New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Moving and Warehousing.
License type
NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Mover Registration
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$100-$500 initial
Timeline
3-6 weeks
How to get licensed
in New Jersey.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the New Jersey Secretary of State. An LLC is the recommended structure for moving companies — it protects your personal assets. Research your state’s filing fee and processing time at the Secretary of State website.
Agency: New Jersey Secretary of State
Obtain your federal EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Free, instant, and required before any other registrations or opening a business bank account.
Agency: IRS · Visit website →
Get your USDOT number
Required for any company with vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR or operating interstate. Register at FMCSA.dot.gov. Interstate movers also need MC authority from the same portal.
Agency: FMCSA · Visit website →
Apply for New Jersey household goods carrier operating authority
Contact New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Moving and Warehousing to apply for your intrastate operating authority. The application requires proof of insurance, a fitness review, and applicable fees. Timeline is typically 3-6 weeks.
Agency: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Moving and Warehousing · Visit website →
Secure commercial insurance
You need commercial auto insurance for all moving vehicles, general liability insurance, and cargo insurance. File proof of coverage with the regulatory agency. New Jersey requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Moving and Warehousing (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in New Jersey require a local business license or registration. Contact your local government for specific requirements and fees in your area.
Agency: Local city or county government
What makes New Jersey unique.
New Jersey requires movers to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs under the New Jersey Household Movers and Warehousemen Licensing Act. This is in addition to federal USDOT requirements.
New Jersey is densely populated and has extremely high move volume, particularly in the NYC metropolitan corridor (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union counties). The market is competitive but lucrative.
NJ movers must prominently display their registration number on all advertising and vehicles. Consumer complaint rights must be disclosed to every customer.
New Jersey moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to start a moving company in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires movers to register with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs under the Household Movers and Warehousemen Licensing Act. You also need a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR and commercial insurance.
Is New Jersey a good market for movers?
New Jersey is one of the highest-volume moving states per square mile in the country. The NYC metro corridor (Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, The Meadowlands area) has extraordinary demand. It's competitive but the volume is substantial.
Do NJ movers need to follow specific consumer protection rules?
Yes. New Jersey has detailed consumer protection requirements for movers — written estimates, disclosure of customer rights, specific billing rules, and claims procedures. Violations can result in license suspension.
Explore other states:
Licensed in New Jersey?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in New Jersey can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.